Maintain set standards in the construction of accessibility ramps - GBU

The President of Ghana Blind Union (GBU), Mr Yaw Ofori Debra, has called for the need to maintain set standards in the construction of accessibility ramps in public buildings for the physically challenged.

He said the bad nature of some of the constructions make them unfriendly and difficult to use by people with disability. This is why everything must be done to ensure that the ramps meet acceptable standards.

Mr. Debra was speaking at the celebration of the sixth national day for persons with disability (PWD) held at the Wadoma Hotel at Manhyia near Abuakwa in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District.

“Disability law without enforcement is no protection”, was the theme.

It brought together the physically challenged, media, government officials, civil society organizations, traditional and faith based organizations.

The day, which is marked yearly, provides an opportunity to critically assess the level of implementation of the Disability Act and the benefits to people with disability.

Mr. Debra complained about uncovered drains and gaping gutters running through the cities and towns and urged the appropriate authorities to cover them to allow for easy movement by the PWDs.

He was also not happy with the situation where the provision under the Act that two seats in all public transport should be reserved for them is being ignored and appealed to transport operators to do well to respect the law.

Mr. Joseph Adu-Boampong, National President of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, said it was worrying that new buildings for government ministries and district assemblies make no provision for access by the PWDs.

Nana Asare Bediako, the Atwima-Nwabiagya District Chief Executive (DCE) said the government was doing everything to assist members of the Federation to acquire employable skills to become self-reliant.**